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Search 583 Europe tour operators and travel companies, with 28,397 reviews.

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Europe tour companies range from global operators to local operators specializing in a particular country or region. Tours in Europe are often multi-country, and focus on a range of themes such as food & wine, outdoor activity, and culture. Find  the best  Europe tour operator for your style.

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Highlights of central europe.

An excellent introduction to the countries visited. The tour leader, Peter, plying and explaining the flute. Very pleasant knowledgeable man, with a good sense of ...

Brilliant ... but

I will deal with the 'but' first. This is definitely not a 1; leisurely; more a 2, moderate. The distances to walk are comparatively large and the surfaces (cobbl...

Highlights of Central Europe

A great tour around really interesting capital cities and some lesser-known parts of the countries. Prague, Budapest and Vienna in particular were really lovely, esp...

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

The tour takes in five of Central/Eastern Europe's historic capitals, allowing you to see as much as possible in the  time available. Hotels are good....

This was our first trip with a group of people on a bus trip, and also the first with Exodus, and my husband and I had a really great holiday.The trip had a perfect ...

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5 Top Tour Operators to Book on Your Next Trip to Europe

Keep the trip-planning process hassle-free with top-rated tour operators across the pond.

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A reputable tour operator can help minimize headaches and maximize value.

Europe offers a treasure trove of museums, archeological sites and historic monuments. But, unless you're an art historian or medieval scholar, in order to fully appreciate these cherished attractions – and make the most of your limited vacation time – you'll want to book day tours with local tour operators. Reserving tours with a reputable tour company can ensure a richer (and more stress-free) experience, especially when traveling with kids in tow. Plus, booking reservations with a trusted guide far in advance can not only ensure availability but can also help you secure discounts and maximize savings. Here's who to go with on your next trip across the pond.

Fat Tire Tours

This English-speaking, British-headquartered tour operator has branches in Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and London, and offers 'skip the line' tours for major tourist attractions as well as unique city tours by bike. Opting for the latter and exploring iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower  and the Tuileries Gardens from behind handlebars holds more appeal for kids than walking and makes for a more memorable and pleasant experience. Apart from benefitting from a knowledgeable guide as you navigate the city by bike, you'll also have the added element of keeping teens and preteens enthralled. Book a Fat Tire Tour online in advance of your trip, as the operator is very popular, but also look for deals offered by the company after your tour. There are often discounts available for booking second tours, and given the variety of offerings in each city, families could easily spend another day exploring with the Fat Tire crew.

Overome  

Focused solely on the Eternal City , Overome is a highly specialized tour company that offers small group and private tours at major Roman sites, such as the Vatican and Colosseum. While Overome primarily covers the can't-miss points of interest across Rome, their greatest strength lies in their tour guides. Their reputable guides are known for their enthusiasm and friendly demeanors, which help make it easy for families to unwind and enjoy in-depth tours of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, without hordes of tourists at their side during prime visiting seasons. In a city known for crushing crowds at tourist attractions, having a guided tour with a small group can easily transform your trip from stressful and hassle-prone to headache-free.

Viator tours are offered in multiple countries across Europe and beyond, making this tour company the most expansive on this list. Travelers booking a tour through Viator can look forward to a range of offerings from daytrips from Paris to Normandy or Mont Saint-Michel to tours of Belgian Christmas markets to walks through Turkish bazaars . How does Viator offer such an extensive list of tours? They act as a middleman, pairing travelers in need of tours with local tour operations in European cities. First, travelers book the tour of their choice through Viator. Then, a subsequent email confirmation lists the local meeting point for the tour and includes information on the local tour company used. While Viator users do have to deal with two companies rather than one, they can count on the process to be streamlined and user-friendly. Best of all, Viator rigorously vets their local operators, so travelers don't have to worry about whether they're in good hands.

Walks of Italy

With tours offered in Venice, Rome, Florence, Pompeii, Tuscany, Milan and the Almalfi Coast, Walks of Italy is a standout pick for specialty tours across Italy. The company is known to tap visitors into the local culture with treks to off-the-beaten-path sites and hidden gems across the country. In other words, after you've seen the major landmarks, or think you know all there is to know about an Italian destination, take a Walks of Italy tour to discover lesser-known places. Their Rome as a Local Tour takes visitors across the city and into the suburbs to hit all the attractions guidebooks tend to gloss over, from chariot tracks on the Appian Way to aqueducts to the secret keyhole to St. Peter's Basilica. As your Walks of Italy tour guide takes you to less-trodden local points of interest, you're bound to feel more like an insider than a tourist.

Brit Movie Tours

Offering a fun way to explore London and the United Kingdom, Brit Movie Tours specializes – as you may have guessed – in movie locations for fans of series shown on both the big and small screen. Families will be most interested in their Harry Potter tour, which takes fans across the capital for three hours via motor coach to locations such as Kings Cross station and 12 Grimmauld Place, but there are also tours for fans of Doctor Who, the Beatles, Sherlock and more. Tours range in size, so look closely at tour descriptions. Also, consider private tours if a top priority is exploring top locations without heavy crowds.

Before You Book

All the tour operators on this list specialize in half-day and full-day tours in major European cities and all companies offer both small and large group tour sizes, ranging in price from approximately 30-200 euros per person. When possible, book your reservations in advance and opt for a small group size of 10 or fewer participants for the most value.

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Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

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17 European holidays worthy of your bucket list

From spotting Norway's Northern Lights to a ride on Switzerland's epic Glacier Express train

Our top picks include everything from a one-in-a-lifetime journey on the Glacier Express to a trip to Europe's prettiest Christmas market and a visit to Italy 's renowned foodie city of Bologna . And, all of our top picks feature Good Housekeeping Holidays , tailor-made and expertly curated trips that show you the very best of the region with fuss-free travel.

What's more, some of our organised trips included appearances from some very familiar faces , from top chef James Martin to journalist Michael Portillo . They'll join you on land, sea or rail to share their expertise, give you a tour of the local area and host Q&A sessions, demonstrations, activities and talks.

Take a look at our round-up of the best European bucket list trips to book now.

Sail the Rhine and visit Mainz, Europe's prettiest Christmas markets

Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany, and its historic Christmas market on the Domplatz set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral is one for your bucket list. With sparkling fairy lights, wooden chalets and the scent of mulled wine, roasted almonds and spiced cider filling the air, you'll be in the Christmas spirit in no time.

What's better than a Christmas market trip ? A festive cruise exploring several of Germany's prettiest winter markets. Our Good Housekeeping Holidays trip will have you soaking up the festive fun in Mainz, Frankfurt, Koblenz, Cologne, and Rüdesheim as you cruise the Rhine aboard the beautifully-appointed A-ROSA Aqua. There's a sauna, fitness area, and whirlpool, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Our exclusive Christmas cruise is available to book ahead for December 2024.

Explore the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express

A rail journey through the Alps is a bucket list trip you'll remember for a lifetime, and our exclusive Good Housekeeping Holiday will allow you to experience the beauty of this mountain range on the iconic Glacier Express. You'll enjoy unrivalled views as you journey past snow-capped peaks, dramatic ravines and beautiful villages, travelling from Chur to St Moritz. The Glacier Express is a rail journey you'll never forget. It's been in operation since 1930, and has been renovated with comfortable carriages and panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered landscapes.

Our exclusive escape includes return flights from Zurich. Plus, there are three nights at a great hotel in Chur on a B&B basis and a Chur Guest Card that can be uses for discounts on local attractions and museums.

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Taste your way around Italy’s gastronomic capital, Bologna

Italy’s gastronomic capital Bologna is a great bucket list destination for the foodies amongst us. Renowned for its homemade pastas, meaty ragùs and myrtle-spiced mortadella sausage, it's known as La Grassa - 'the fat one'.To discover the fascinating gastronomic history and taste some of its world-famous food on a guided tour, join our Good Housekeeping Holidays trip for six-days of tasty experiences. In Bologna, you'll visit a local Parmesan factory, a Balsamic vineyard, and a family-run Parma ham producer.

On this trip, you'll also spend time in Modena where you can discover the city's history at the grand Duomo or the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums. Plus, take part in a cooking class and learn to host like a local. With a variety of 2024 dates available to book now, could Bologna be the European bucket list destination you tick off in the new year?

Discover the beauty and history of Venice over seven sublime nights

The romantic city of Venice is known and loved for its acclaimed art museums, stunning architecture and colourful history. Alongside the popular tourist spots, from St Mark's Basilica to Doge's Palace, Venice is also packed with hidden gems down the city's slender canals and surrounding islands.

The best way to explore its beauty is on the sleek and stylish, S.S. La Venezia, often described as a floating boutique hotel. You can enjoy a stay on this luxury ship with Good Housekeeping Holidays, where you will be joined by none other than acclaimed chef James Martin. As well as sailing the area and exploring all it has to offer, James will join you on the ship for a talk, Q&A and book signing. What's more, he'll be there to cook a mouthwatering gala dinner for one of your evenings on board.

On another of our exciting holidays, you can sail the Venetian Lagoon in ultimate luxury and meet world-famous MasterChef judge Monica Galetti. You'll see the sights of Venice with VIP access to top landmarks during a week of heavenly sailing, as well as hearing a talk and Q&A from Monica. She'll also join you on a visit to the lively market on Chioggia.

Visit Madeira’s spectacular Flower Festival

The best time to visit Madeira, also known as the floating garden of the Atlantic, is during its incredible Flower Festival so you can truly soak up the sights, scents and sounds of this special island. The festival is a celebration of spring, and the landscape becomes even more vibrant during the month-long celebration filled with performances and local traditions.

Here at Good Housekeeping, we've got you covered with a tailor-made, eight-day tour of the region during the 2025 Flower Festival so you can see the very best horticultural highlights of the island; from the orchids at Palheiro Gardens to the exquisite colours of the Monte. During this guided tour, you'll also have time to explore the Old Town in Funchal and take in the incredible views of the Ribeiro Frio National Park.

Sail along the Danube and explore Vienna

A cruise along the majestic Danube makes a fabulous European holiday for anyone passionate about art, music, and culture. This grand river meanders through Central Europe, where its banks are dotted with charming villages and magnificent cities such as Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, each full to the brim with cultural treasures.

Good Housekeeping's eight-day Danube cruise will take you along the mighty river through the Wachau Valley on board Uniworld 's luxury ship, Maria Theresa. Look forward to stops in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, discovering the art, architecture and fascinating history of each city with guided tours. As well as these important cities, you'll also stop off in some smaller towns, like pretty Dürnstein, where you can explore the quaint shops and castle ruins.

Hunt for Norway's Northern Lights

For wild natural scenery and jaw-dropping wildlife in Europe, Norway always delivers. Here adventurous travellers will find breathtaking landscapes dotted with tranquil fjords carved by ancient glaciers and towering, snow-capped mountains. Travellers are also drawn to Norway's icy Arctic region by the chance to see the ethereal Northern Lights dancing in the unpolluted skies. In this northernmost region, at the right time of year, the incredible Aurora is nearly certain to make an appearance. Good Housekeeping has a special winter expedition cruise that will take you through Norway’s fjords and up through the Arctic Circle to spot the Northern Lights

For an extra-special Northern Lights experience, why not join our expedition cruise with expert photographer Doug Allen, who has worked on David Attenborough's Blue Planet? Doug will give you tips on how to capture the best of Norway's landscapes and wildlife on camera and will join you on an Arctic Coastal walk.

Cruise the Douro Valley and taste fine wines

Portugal’s Douro Valley is a wonderfully scenic wine-producing region, where rolling, sun-kissed hills are dotted with historic vineyards and wine estates that have been producing flavoursome Port wines for centuries. It makes an ideal European holiday destination for wine enthusiasts who can visit some of these historic Quintas and learn all about the process of wine production in the valley. Good Housekeeping's eight-day cruise will begin in Portugal's second city of Porto, where you'll have some time to explore the historic old town, a UNESCO world heritage site, before setting sail along the river. You'll also stop at Régua, a town that has produced port wine since the 18th Century and continue onwards to the little town of Pinhão.

Travel from Venice to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

When it comes to European rail adventures, it doesn't get better than a trip on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This is an exceptionally luxurious train, with meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, kitted out with plush armchair seating, gleaming polished wood and brass fixtures. seasonal four-course d'hôte menus are served in the dining car, with a sommelier on hand with the perfect pairings.

The train travels several different routes throughout the year, but a favourite is an overnight trip from Venice to Paris. Good Housekeeping is offering a special ride on this route, where you'll be joined by journalist Michael Portillo, who'll give an evening talk and travel with you on the train. Michael is passionate about rail travel, and this will be his first time travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express .

Explore Transylvania and stay at an ice hotel

For an unforgettable European trip, explore the gothic region of Transylvania and stay at the iconic Ice Hotel, which is built every year entirely of snow and ice blocks extracted from a glacial lake in the Fagaras Mountains. For an expert-led trip, you can join us on a Good Housekeeping Holidays guided tour through the region as you soak up the history, culture and charm of some of Romania's most picturesque medieval towns.

Tick Bucharest and Brasov off your list, before you head up rugged mountains for a stay at the Ice Hotel where you can go snow rafting or simply enjoy the icy scenery. On your return to Bucharest, you'll also visit Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - one for the bucket list.

Discover Slovenia's beautiful scenery and unique cuisine

Despite its relatively small size, Slovenia is full of incredible scenery and rich culture that earn it a well-deserved place on any European bucket list. It pays to have a plan when voyaging to new lands, so the best way to explore this hidden gem of a destination is on Good Housekeeping Holidays' five-night tour, which will allow you to tick Ljubljana, Lake Bled and the Triglav National Park off the list in style – all while getting an authentic taste of the place.

A highlight of the tour is a trip through the country's UNESCO-protected Skocjan Caves, followed by olive oil tasting and a picnic lunch in the olive groves. For gourmands, nothing will beat a truffle-hunting excursion, which ends with a hearty truffle-themed homestead dinner.

Taste your way around Puglia

The southern Italian region of Puglia has seemingly no end of charms – but chief among them has to be the food. Locally grown fruit and vegetables, freshest seafood and expertly made cheese (including burrata) top the bill here, but there's so much to discover across the sun-kissed land. Good Housekeeping Holidays' six-day tour gives you an authentic taste of Puglia's incredible culinary tradition.

Visiting must-see towns including Ostuni, Alberobello, Matera, Locorotondo and more, this intimate tour will take you to historic bakeries, olive farms and traditional Masserie (stone farmhouses) surrounded by enchanting vineyards. Highlights include pasta-making classes and an olive oil tasting.

Island hop along Croatia’s sunny coast

The unbelievably beautiful islands dotted along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast are undeniably best explored by boat – especially a small one that can access the coves, islands and islets that would be hard to reach on a larger vessel. If you're dreaming of languid days and nights on board a boutique ship, Good Housekeeping Holidays eight-day tour along Croatia’s sunny coast is the answer.

You'll board the luxurious MS Equator and set sail from Split and hop from one heavenly location to the next, including the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Mjlet with its National Park and the buzzy town of Hvar. While on board, you'll be treated to breakfast and lunch every day, as well as the chance to relax in the on-deck Jacuzzi and plunge into the turquoise waters from the boat's swimming platform.

See the Dutch tulips in bloom

From the end of March until mid May, the Netherlands' tulip fields burst into colourful life, creating a scene that should feature on any Europe bucket list. Good Housekeeping Holidays offers two fantastic options for seeing this unforgettable sight. The first is a four-day tour that includes a canal cruise through Amsterdam, a visit to The Hague and then, most importantly, a trip to see the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom in a vibrant tapestry of reds, pinks, oranges and yellows.

For a longer option, don't miss our seven-night Dutch tulip cruise on a small ship that sails to Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg. Aboard the Balmoral, you'll see Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom, as well as parks and gardens across the rest of the country. What's more, there's the chance to enjoy a special talk and Q&A session with TV gardener Charlie Dimmock, as well as a cocktail masterclass with TV bartender Merlin Griffiths. Cheers to that!

See the glorious gardens of the Italian Lakes

Of all the beautiful gardens in the world, those found in and around the lakes of Northern Italy are surely some of the most impressive. Blooming with rare flora, immaculately landscaped and all set against the cinematic glamour of the lakes themselves, they take some beating in terms of horticultural hotspots to have on your Europe bucket list.

To take the stress out of organising an itinerary to see these majestic gardens, join Good Housekeeping Holidays eight-day tour of the best gardens and ornate villas on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. During your time exploring the latter, you'll be joined by gardening expert Christine Walkden, who will give an exclusive talk.

Discover the Durrells’ Corfu

The sunny Mediterranean island of Corfu is now almost synonymous with the Durrells, having inspired both the novelist's My Family and Other Animals and ITV's hit drama. Its pretty coves, pristine beaches and clear waters have always made it worthy of the Europe bucket list – but the chance to visit some of the best locations from the show add even more allure.

With the Good Housekeeping Holidays five-day tour, you'll discover Corfu through the eyes of the Durrells, meeting naturalist and writer Lee Durrell, who will share insight into her family's love affair with the island, and also visiting the famous White House in Kalami, once home Lawrence Durrell. You'll also visit Perithia, the oldest village on Corfu and the museum at Achilleion Palace.

Cruise around Bordeaux and the Médoc

Archaeological sites, historic landmarks, beautiful scenery and some of the best wine in the world – what's not to love about Bordeaux and the Médoc? One of the best ways to explore southwest France's finest spots is by river cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, discovering fascinating history and world-famous tastes as you go.

To this end, don't miss the Good Housekeeping Holidays seven-night river cruise, which sails through Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye and Libourne – with some delicious surprises along the way. This is very much a French foodie adventure, full of classic wine and cuisine, but also an appearance from Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge. He will host a cooking demonstration and answer your questions in a Q&A session.

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Riviera travel unveils lower prices on 2025 european tours.

Riviera Travel has lowered prices on a range of 2025 European escorted tours.

Savings of up to £150pp are now available on 40 tours departing from April to June 2025, including the operator’s Grand and Signature tours.

Guests can choose from options such as: * Seven-day Classical Spain, departing April 20, 2025, prices from £1309pp * Eight-day Walk & Discover: Dubrovnik and The Dalmatian Coast, departing May 7, 2025, prices from £1889pp * Eight day Signature Tour: Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga, departing May 22, 2025, prices from £1569pp * Eight-day Puglia, Lecce and Vieste - Undiscovered Italy, departing June 4, 2025, prices from £1449pp * 12-day Grand Tour of Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic, departing June 16, 2025, prices from £2699pp

Joanne Lynn, head of product - European at Riviera, said: “Following a review of our 2025 tours, we’ve benefitted from lower costs than anticipated on a selection of departures and as a result we’re delighted to pass these savings back to our guests. We strive to provide the best value for money in the industry, to give more guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the continent on our diverse range of hand-crafted itineraries.”

All Riviera Travel escorted tours include return flights and transfers, accommodation, tours and visits, select meals, local taxes and an expert tour manager throughout.

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European Whirl (Summer, End Paris, 12 Days)

Discovery of spain - 10 days, prague vienna and budapest (10 days), play & pause: central europe highlights, charming spain - 9 days, balkan discovery: 12-day cultural expedition, highlights of europe (classic, start amsterdam, end paris, 14 days), highlights of europe (classic, start london, end paris, 14 days) (14 destinations), 10 day group tour in mycenae, olympia, delphi, meteora, santorini and mykonos, balkans uncovered luxury tour.

• In-depth Cultural

“The European wirl was amazing. It was my trip of a lifetime.”

• Christmas & New Year

“Most of hotels we didn't like except 2.”

• Enjoy free time in Budapest
• Explore the rich cultural and economic history of Prague
• See the Great Synagogue in Pest, the largest in Europe

“The tour was very well organised and managed. There is no doubt this tour was a success greatly because of his input.”

“Accommodations were very good including the breakfast buffets. Met some great people.”

“I learnt so much of the history of the Balkans and was introduced to places I had never heard of. The restaurant choices choices were wonderful.”

• Coach / Bus
• Learn about the Swiss wildlife from a Swiss ranger
• See the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum
• View the remarkable sandstone castle in Heidelberg

• Learn about local wildlife from a Swiss Ranger
• See the famous Golden Roof and the Lion of Lucerne
• Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

• Tour the iconic Acropolis and its museum
• Visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games
• Explore the ancient Theater of Epidaurus

“Everything was so well organized. This was a tour that fulfilled all our expectations.”

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Ukraine reportedly strikes ferry crossing in occupied Crimea, boat in Krasnodar Krai, official says

Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Preliminary reports indicate that Ukraine struck a ferry crossing in the city of Kerch in occupied Crimea overnight on Aug. 16, as well as a boat near the community of Chernomorsk in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Odesa Oblast Military Administration said.

No information was immediately available as to the extent of the damage. It was not immediately clear what boat was struck or whether it was a military target.

Explosions rang out across multiple cities in occupied Crimea overnight on Aug. 16, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel claimed, citing resident reports. A fire was reported near the city of Kerch, in the area of the Kerch ferry crossing.

Residents in Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Kerch heard explosions around 3:30 a.m. local time, according to local media reports.

Multiple explosions were also reported in the community of Chernomorsk in Russia's neighbouring region Krasnodar Krai around 4:30 a.m. local time.

The Kerch bridge , connecting occupied Crimea with mainland Russia, was reportedly closed to traffic around 2 a.m., local residents reported. The bridge reopened around 7 a.m. local time.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that five Ukrainian unmanned aerial drones and two unmanned naval drones were destroyed overnight in the Black Sea.

The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify any of the claims.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has regularly launched attacks on occupied Crimea as well as neighbouring Krasnodar Krai.

Kyiv's Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov warned on Aug. 2 that Ukraine is working on a "complex solution" that could destroy the Kerch Bridge in the coming months. Russia reportedly began fortifying the bridge last month.

Ukraine has regularly struck ferry crossings between occupied Crimea and Russia's Krasnodar Krai, prioritizing the crossing over the bridge in recent months as a more important military target.

Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine published on June 17 that destroying the Kerch Bridge now would not have the same effect now because Russia barely uses it for military purposes anymore.

The bridge accounts for less than a quarter of the total transiting cargo, and for the rest, Russia uses a ferry crossing in Kerch , Pletenchuk said.

Read also: US considering sending Ukraine first long-range cruise missiles this fall, source says

We’ve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent .

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Tour Operator TUI Beats Profit Expectations on Summer Travel Bookings

FILE PHOTO: Tui app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration;/File Photo

By Joanna Plucinska, Ilona Wissenbach and Andrey Sychev

(Reuters) -Europe's largest tour operator TUI exceeded profit expectations for the third quarter on Wednesday, buoyed by strong summer travel demand, a resurgence in packaged holidays and a boost from the bankruptcy of German rival FTI.

Travel firms and airlines had hoped this summer season would outshine pre-pandemic levels, despite economic uncertainty, delays in plane deliveries and rising jet fuel prices.

"Holidays are still highly prioritized by consumers," with summer bookings 6% ahead of last year, Chief Financial Officer Mathias Kiep said on a media call.

TUI posted 232 million euros ($254.92 million) in underlying earnings before interest and tax for the April-June quarter, up 37% from 169 million euros a year earlier. Analysts polled by LSEG had expected 217 million euros.

Shares were up 3.6% in morning trading.

TUI confirmed its forecast for a 25% increase in operating profit this year and 10% revenue growth, despite delivery delays from Boeing and costs associated with an outage at cybersecurity tech firm CrowdStrike last month.

The German group recently switched its listing from London to Frankfurt but maintains a large customer base in Britain and saw a boost from the insolvency of competitor FTI.

RESILIENCE IN SECTOR

While demand has remained strong, some airlines' results in the quarter were impacted by rising costs associated with labour disruptions, maintenance, or weaker business bookings.

"TUI's Q3 results prove that the travel sector is more resilient than some corners of the market thought it could be this summer as price increases across the sector resulted in some weakness in demand," said Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor.

Though budget carrier Ryanair had warned that ticket prices could drop as customers become more price-sensitive, TUI said bookings did not slow despite a 3% rise in prices on the year for its flights and packages.

TUI has been helped by packaged holidays making a comeback, with inflation raising hotel, sightseeing and restaurant prices. Packages offer tourists more certainty on pricing, experts say, with fewer unexpected outlying costs.

Analysts said TUI's positive update was a good sign for other packaged holiday providers, including Britain's Jet2.

Rival easyJet's holiday business has also been successful, bolstering the broader airline sector.

Chief Executive Sebastian Ebel said TUI was positioning itself further outside of Europe to bolster business, including in Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.

($1 = 0.9101 euros)

(Reporting by Andrey Sychev, Joanna Plucinska and Ilona Wissenbach; editing by Kim Coghill and Bernadette Baum)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: Europe , Germany

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